I used to have a cleaning product cupboard that was loaded with a cleaner for every purpose. That’s changed quite a bit since I learned the magic of distilled white vinegar and baking soda, however homemade cleaners have been getting a bad rap lately for some concerns over their anti-bacterial abilities.
Well, not long ago I discovered a recipe for a fantastic multi-purpose, homemade green cleaner that eliminates that concern. I honestly don’t recall where I found it (if I owe someone credit, please let me know!) but it’s another one of those things worth sharing! So here goes…
INGREDIENTS:
- water
- distilled white vinegar
- eco-friendly dishwashing liquid
- lemongrass essential oil or tea tree oil
The trick with this cleaner is the use of the lemongrass essential oil or the tea tree oil. Lemongrass happens to be a natural anti-bacterial (yes, natural… not harsh like commercial anti-bacterials) and the tea tree oil has properties that are both anti-viral and anti-fungal.
DIRECTIONS:
- Fill a 28-32 ounce sprayer bottle about half full with water (you probably have one at home that you’ve salvaged from another product!)
- Fill almost the rest of the bottle with distilled white vinegar
- Add 15-20 drops of essential lemongrass oil OR tea tree oil (depending on where you want to use it… or mix a batch of each)
- Add 3 drops of eco-friendly dishwashing liquid
- Shake to mix and you’re ready to go!
You’ll want to give it a good shake before every use and, I assure you, with the number of places it can be used, you’ll be doing lots of shakin’ in your kitchens and bathrooms… stainless steel, chrome, countertops, sinks, toilets, tubs, showers, mirrors, windows, floors, doors, ovens, microwaves… the list goes on and on.
The worst part?… well, now it’s time to clean!
Disclosure Policy
I’m going to have to give this a try. I generally use vinegar and water which works well in most cases. I was wondering if anyone had experience with this recipe and whether or not it cleaned streak free. My stainless appliances are a bear to clean and keep streak free.
Thanks again for another awesome tip!!
.-= Kimberly Aardal´s last blog ..Gliding- Rocking or Neither =-.
Vinegar is an anceint preservative. Ever see a moldy pickle? Removing the filth and effecting the habitat of bad flora and fauna is all that needs to be done, Moisture and food allow molds and worse to grow. Those gym clothes stink because the material trapped moisture and was contained in a bag or locker. Want to sanitise a food surface? Inexpensive vodka works and unless absorbed or consumed in large quantities it isn’t harmful.
How long does this concoction’s antibacterial properties last (my beach and water solution is only good for a certain number of days)? I don’t imagine keeping it indefinitely cuz obviously I will be cleaning with it.
.-= nathalie´s last blog ..Colbert “testifies” before Congress – in character =-.
If you’re too lazy (like me) to make your own cleaner, try Clean+Green. They have awesome eco-friendly cleaners! I’m doing a giveaway on my blog, actually, so if you’d like to try these products check it out: http://madpets.blogspot.com/2010/10/cleangreen-dog-cat-carpet-upholstery.html
Thanks for the recipe! I may end up giving this a try.
Kimberly – as I understand it, some appliances, mirrors, etc. with need a washing of soap and water to become streak-free… it has to do with the residue from any previous cleaning products.
AMalePoet – sorry, I don’t waste vodka!
nathalie – honestly, I haven’t heard anything about a shelf life but the contents will separate and that is the reason it needs a good SHAKE prior to each use!
.-= Doreen / Mom Goes Green´s last blog ..To buy or not to buy a leaf blower… THAT is the question! =-.
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Where are you getting your essential oils? I have the tea-tree but would love lemongrass for the anti-bacterial properties for bath and kitchen (assume I’d like the smell better, too).
Sandi – I order online with Puritan’s Pride. http://www.puritan.com/ With their ‘buy 2, get 3 free’ offers, you can’t go wrong!
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